| Author | Message | ||
| aquaman
Junior Username: aquaman Post Number: 14 Registered: 9-2006 |
For the Spoiler models in particular, which strings would you recommend for punchiest rock sound? I like the sound of Boomers (light), but don't have a whole heck of a lot of experience in choosing. | ||
| eligilam
Junior Username: eligilam Post Number: 38 Registered: 2-2006 |
You'll find lots of DR and TI fans on this posting site, but in my opinion, nothing beats good ole Rotosounds for twang and punch-through-the-guitars rockery. Cheers, Will d. | ||
| oujeebass
Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 98 Registered: 10-2002 |
I agree... Ive tried all of them,and a fresh set of Rotosounds are my favorites. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1250 Registered: 2-2006 |
This subject has come up several times here. I've tried all the favorites here too (for bass); DR, TI's, Rotosound, Alembic...and they are all good strings. But my favorite hands down are John Pearse. They are have a bright clean sound with a superb feel. The only negative thing I can think of is that they are not the easiest to find. (For guitar I stick with Boomers, because they sound good and I can afford to change them weekly) | ||
| crobbins
Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 51 Registered: 6-2004 |
I've only used the Alembic strings.... | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 472 Registered: 5-2006 |
R.Cocco, great strings! | ||
| terryc
Intermediate Member Username: terryc Post Number: 129 Registered: 11-2004 |
D'Arddio(spelling maybe wrong!!) heavy guage E at 105 if your bridge/nut will allow. Rotosound(same guage) - get that lovely Entwhistle sound with loads of treble Elites S/steel but can be a bit unkind to frets, very trebly. | ||
| bumhucker
Intermediate Member Username: bumhucker Post Number: 124 Registered: 3-2006 |
la bella deeptalkin bass roundwounds. they last a long time and sound big. plus they are balanced tension-wise. use the long scale-i use medium scale on my short scale excel so the long scale should fit a spoiler. | ||
| hieronymous
Intermediate Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 158 Registered: 1-2005 |
Another DR fan here. When I had my Spoiler/Exploiter tuned standard, I used Hi-Beams. I like Lo-Riders on my Rickenbacker 4001. Oh, and definitely long-scale for a 32" Spoiler. | ||
| muller1007
Intermediate Member Username: muller1007 Post Number: 162 Registered: 5-2002 |
After years of trying all kinds of brands, I've always come back to Rotosound Swing Bass strings. A great balance between clean, bright and full bodied sound, great feel, long life and of course great value for money. Duncan | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1169 Registered: 9-2002 |
I've 'converted' to Markley's NPS Roundcores, the strings they developed with FRPrestia. I prefer roundcores and nickel composition. They're a bit looser than Rotos, Boomers, etc., yet a bit tighter than DR's or Cocos. Stainless are just too clavinet-ish for me. J o e y | ||
| pauldo
Junior Username: pauldo Post Number: 16 Registered: 6-2006 |
I was on a quest for the 'perfect ' string for many years and it seems that GHS Boomers stay brighter longer than any other strings I've tried. I now am looking for a different sound and have a set of strings that have been on for almost 2 years - when one of them breaks I do believe I will get some flatwounds on it (84 Distillate) and see where it will take me :-) | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1417 Registered: 6-2002 |
I remember when the time came to put a new set on my Epic because the original set of Alembic strings had grown dull. With a limited budget, I came back to what I had been using on the Yamaha - Boomers. And they sounded absolutely terrible! Bright, yes - but not in a nice way. And they lacked focus. It might have been just a single set that was bad ... anyway, I moved on to DR High Beams, later LoRiders (mellower). When the Epic was defretted, I switched to TI Jazz Flats. Then I got a fretted Spoiler, and I put on a d'Addario XL set, again mostly for budget reasons. Much better than (what I remember from) Boomers. Mind you, I don't play rock, but there is plenty of punch in XLs on a medium scale. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 489 Registered: 11-2003 |
I used to use Rotosound RS66LC's, light gauge. Then I got turned on to DR High Beams, .40-.100. I've not looked back since. If you like a brighter tone, DR Hi Beams are the way to go over the Rotos. Rotos are great strings, are equally bright, but don't last as long for some reason. This is why I switched to the DRs. My two cents, Alan | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 327 Registered: 2-2003 |
I'm in the Rotosound camp. Standard gauge. I haven't experienced the issues others have mentioned and always go back to them after trying something different. Although I must say I like the DR piano wound (exposed core) strings on my Rogue 5. JP | ||
| tbrannon
Advanced Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 378 Registered: 11-2004 |
I typically like flatwounds (Chromes), but the Rogue I bought here on the forum came strung with DR Sunbeams. I put the chromes on for awhile and then took 'em off and restrung the dead Sunbeams. I'm still playing 'em. They've got alot of warmth, but have a bit more bite than the flats. | ||
| crgaston
Advanced Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 368 Registered: 11-2005 |
C'mon, Toby; dead??? :-) :-) They had way less than a year on them! The nickel Lo-Riders on my Modulus have a LOT more time on them than just a measly year, and it sounded AWESOME in the studio today. Of course, the F1X and Superfilter may have helped. So, yes, count me as a DR fan! Charles | ||
| tbrannon
Advanced Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 388 Registered: 11-2004 |
Charles, They must be dead by now...I've been logging serious hours on them for the past 6 months =) I strung the bass with the Chromes for about 2 weeks and then restrung it with your Sunbeams- they're still on there and will stay on there until I start having problems keeping them in tune. Sweet strings- thanks for that bro! Toby BTW: How you hanging in there as you wait for the Dragonfly to make it's way home? I reckon you've got the shakes by now...... (Message edited by tbrannon on April 25, 2007) | ||
| crgaston
Advanced Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 369 Registered: 11-2005 |
Yep. I'm freaking out. Mica says there's just the electronics and calibration left, so hopefully pretty soon. Tick... | ||
| crgaston
Advanced Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 370 Registered: 11-2005 |
. Tock... | ||
| alembic_doctor
Advanced Member Username: alembic_doctor Post Number: 264 Registered: 8-2002 |
I had been using DR's since I started playing. Then I got turned on to the Maxima Gold Strings. Those things lasted forever(almost). I think I was getting close to a full year out of a set. And I'm the kind of guy that likes to have a fresh set every 2-3 weeks. But, then one sad day, the Maxima company went away. Back to DR Sunbeams. Then someone in a post on here said that a company called Optima. I contacted Tony over at Guitar Showcase in Campbell and asked him about them. He perked up when I told him about the strings. Tyran Porter (Doobie Bros.) was also looking for the strings because he was a fan of them. Anyway, Tony found a guy that was willing to ship them here to the States. So now I'm back to Gold Strings.  However, I forgot that I was playing a medium scale now. So I have two extra sets of Long Scale Strings if anybody wants them, just email me. I gotta order some medium scale strings. My $0.02 | ||
| lidon2001
Advanced Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 305 Registered: 4-2005 |
I'll mention the website again as I have always received great service, www.juststrings.com. They have Alembic & Optima (@ $80 a set - ouch! - but if they last & last...) available, as well as most other manufacturers and stringed instruments, single strings, and currently a sale on Roto's - $3-$5 off. I just got two sets of Roto's for my MK and a singles set of LaBella's for my custom. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer. | ||
| alemberic
Junior Username: alemberic Post Number: 43 Registered: 6-2006 |
I have what is probably a simple question, but I'm still a little new to the Alembic scene, so please bear with me: When buying a set of strings for your Alembic, it appears that you should get "one size up"--in other words, if you have a medium scale Alembic, you would get a set of long scale strings; if you have a long scale Alembic, you would get a set of extra long strings, and so on. Is this generally correct, or am I mistaken? Thanks for any replies. Eric | ||
| keurosix
Intermediate Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 172 Registered: 10-2005 |
Eric, "Speaking" length of the string is equal to the scale of the instrument: ie: 32" short scale; 34" Long scale; 35" + extra long scale, etc. The Alembic bridge and tailpiece adds about an inch to the overall or "Total" string length, which is longer than a standard Fender style bass with Bridge-tailpiece combo. Also, most Alembic headstocks are quite large, and may typically be a bit longer than other brands. You should check with the string manufacturer for speaking length and total string length specifications. Also, definately measure your guitar for these 2 lengths (especially the "total" length) to see if there is a concern. On my Series 1 4 string, I had a few brands where the E string was a bit short, and the silk wrap at the tuning peg would ride in the nut. I would try to unwrap a bit for better string/nut contact. Similarly, the A and D string could have been 1/2" longer to get 3 wraps around the tuning peg, and I had to settle for one and a half turns. For me 3 wraps around the peg works best. At 1 1/2 turns, the string would detune fairly easy with a good slap or vibrato. Check string documentation. Some manufacturers will show a range (ex: 34" ~ 36" speaking length for extra long gage). In any case, you should be able to measure the string at the store or even lay it on your guitar to make sure it is long enough before committing to the purchase. Once it's cut and tuned, it's yours! (P.S. Alembic strings work on Alembic guitars!) Kris | ||
| alemberic
Junior Username: alemberic Post Number: 44 Registered: 6-2006 |
Thanks, Kris, that is a very informative explanation. I appreciate your help. Eric | ||
| jhalb
New Username: jhalb Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2007 |
Has anyone used Elixir strings on their Alembic? They have a soft feel and keep their tone for ever. (well not for ever) | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 581 Registered: 5-2006 |
I've had Elixirs on my '87 Spoiler. They last for about a year (very bright sound) But I don't like the sound compared to the sound of the Cocco's... | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1478 Registered: 2-2006 |
I tried the Elixir strings but didn't really care for the "Nano-coating". They felt OK but just didn't have the sound I am used to. Not saying they're bad, they're just not for me. Different strokes.. Olie | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1270 Registered: 10-2002 |
I've just put Rotosound jazz flatwounds on my fretless rogue. I'll report back after a few gigs/rehearsals. Graeme | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1273 Registered: 10-2002 |
Well, one rehearsal later and the rotosounds have come off. I've honestly never had such bad sounding and feeling strings since I started playing. I've no idea if this was just a duff set but I had to raise the preamp output on the blue cubes just to hear the things. The G, D and A strings in particular had no life to them at all and the rest of the band noticed something was wrong straightaway. At least I kept the DR red devils so I have something decent to use this friday. Graeme | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 229 Registered: 9-2002 |
ive tried alot of different strings over the years, and like TI jazz flats, alembic strings, and Ken Smith strings...Smith strings have a great feel to them, but they dont last very long, but they are worth checking out. | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1621 Registered: 4-2004 |
am not a fan of round wounds as i slide a lot on the strings. i love the feel of TI flats, nothing beats them on that. the sound is very good. i like the d'darrio chromes as they have more punch than the TI's especially on the g string. They are not as smooth as the TI's and its a tradeoff i can almost live with. Chromes have a much higher tension than the TI. And they are about half the price. i just restrung and reset wolf last night with chromes again after 3 months on the TI's. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1091 Registered: 10-2003 |
I love the TI's, but just installed a set on my Hofner and the neck seems to like more tension than that. I guess I'll try the chromes, since you like them. Of course, it seems nearly everything is half the price of the TI's.. ;) John | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 114 Registered: 11-2006 |
somebody know what Clarkee use on his tenor bass, and what gauge ? Certainly Rotosound as said on his gear page, but what model of rotosound and what gauge ? | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 106 Registered: 8-2005 |
I have been using Curt Mangan strings for several years and I love them. They are relatively easy to get a spnsorship deal with which can save you a lot of money. They have strings available in nickel, stainless steel, phosphor bronze and also have flatwounds. They retail for around $30 to $40 per set but if you get a sponsorship deal with them you will pay around $10 to $15 per set and shipping is included if you spend a certain amount. (Message edited by rockbassist on August 20, 2007) | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1632 Registered: 4-2004 |
but he doesnt make flatwound 5s | ||
| hendixclarke
Junior Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 46 Registered: 6-2007 |
Bass strings sound dull? If you submerge-them-into-boiling-water for about 20 minutes, and dry them with a dry cloth; when you put them on, they will sound like new again. Old school. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 954 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Pierre, I read somewhere that rotosound do Stanleys strings as a custom job just for him and not available to anyone else. Hope that helps | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 142 Registered: 11-2006 |
Thank's Jazzyvee, I would like to appreciate my Pyramid strings !! | ||
| henry_crun
Junior Username: henry_crun Post Number: 16 Registered: 12-2006 |
Hi, I had a set of Roto RS665LD on my Elan - great sound but I've marked the frets, so I've gone back to the nickel Alembic strings. Almost as good, but I don't know who could refret the Elan in New Zealand, so best to stay with the nickels, I think. Anyone else like to comment? Grant | ||
| jseitang
Advanced Member Username: jseitang Post Number: 213 Registered: 6-2002 |
i really wished alembic came out with there own versions of flatwound strings...elliptical flatwounds.... what do you think? best of both worlds... | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1599 Registered: 6-2002 |
Boiling strings is a short term solution. You can get the brightness back, but intonation will be questionable and the tone tends to lose focus. | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 235 Registered: 1-2007 |
I haven't heard anybody mention strings for slap and pop. Correct me if I'm wrong. But I'm wondering for those of you who play that style do you recomend thinner strings? Like 105's through 30's? Thanks, Paul | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1332 Registered: 10-2002 |
Paul. The only time I've bought strings for slapping, I used DR's Marcus Miller fat beams; 45-130 on a 5 string. As expected, they gave a really nice full-fat slap sound. I rarely use slap nowadays but I find the Alembic strings are as good as anything else I've tried so I'll be keeping them on my MK. Graeme | ||
| bigbadbill
Advanced Member Username: bigbadbill Post Number: 392 Registered: 10-2003 |
Paul, Mark King uses 30-90, if that helps. Les Claypool uses (or used, not sure whether he still does) 2 x 40s and 2 x 60s. That's just Les all over! | ||
| pierreyves
Intermediate Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 160 Registered: 11-2006 |
Paul, as said in other thread, I use 105=>30 on my MK5, 85=>30 on my SC tenor for slap and pop !! | ||
| chuck
Advanced Member Username: chuck Post Number: 206 Registered: 3-2005 |
I second Jimmys thoughts on Alembic making there own flatwounds.They know what would sound best on Alembic basses.Meanwhile Pyrimid gold flats are my pick for my Elan plus long scale. Chuck |
